Ohio voters approve data-centre bans or limits in at least 14 municipalities
The midterm votes covered 21 measures in 18 Ohio municipalities, about half of the 41 local data-centre measures nationwide; Sunbury banned sites of 25MW or more.
Why it matters
Ohio is one of the busiest US markets for AI data centres, with more than 200 already operating and up to $40bn of investment planned by 2030. Local opposition over power prices, water use and land has been growing, and the state already had about 125 local moratoriums before Tuesday. The ballot results show that resistance moving from council meetings to voters, at the same moment Texas's governor-elect has promised a moratorium. Sunbury's ban was aimed at a possible Amazon project.
Key facts
- At least 14 municipalities passed bans or restrictions
- 21 measures in 18 Ohio municipalities, of 41 nationwide
- About 125 local moratoriums already in the state
- More than 200 data centres operate in Ohio